Microwave leakage testing for commercial and workplace microwave ovens.
Microwave Testing
Overview
Microwave Leakage & Safety Testing
Microwave leakage testing measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation escaping from a microwave oven during operation. Over time, door seals, hinges, latches, and the cavity itself can deteriorat...
- Microwave radiation leakage at levels exceeding safe limits can cause tissue damage with prolonged or repeated exposure — particularly to the eyes and skin.
- Door seals, hinges, and latches deteriorate over time with regular use, and commercial microwaves in workplace kitchens and hospitality environments see significantly heavier use than domestic units.
- Regular testing provides documented proof that your workplace microwaves are operating within safe radiation limits — important for compliance records and duty of care obligations.
- A microwave with a damaged door or worn seal may look fine externally while emitting radiation above safe limits — the only way to verify safety is with calibrated measurement equipment.
Leakage Measurement
Below 5mW/cm� threshold
Door Seal
PASSLeakage Level
PASSPower Output
PASSInterlocks
PASSWhy It Matters
Why Microwave Testing matters
Microwave radiation leakage at levels exceeding safe limits can cause tissue damage with prolonged or repeated exposure — particularly to the eyes and skin.
Door seals, hinges, and latches deteriorate over time with regular use, and commercial microwaves in workplace kitchens and hospitality environments see significantly heavier use than domestic units.
Regular testing provides documented proof that your workplace microwaves are operating within safe radiation limits — important for compliance records and duty of care obligations.
A microwave with a damaged door or worn seal may look fine externally while emitting radiation above safe limits — the only way to verify safety is with calibrated measurement equipment.
Common Issues
Common Microwave Testing faults
Worn or damaged door seal
Radiation leakage around door edges exceeding safe limits, particularly at seal join points.
Door seal replaced and microwave retested to confirm leakage levels are within safe limits.
Faulty door latch or interlock
Door may not close securely, allowing radiation to escape during operation.
Latch mechanism or interlock switch repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.
Damaged or misaligned hinge
Door misalignment creates gaps between the door and the cavity, allowing radiation leakage.
Hinge repaired or replaced, door realigned, and microwave retested.
Cavity damage or corrosion
Rust, dents, or corrosion inside the cavity can create radiation leakage points.
Assessed for severity — minor surface corrosion may be monitored, significant damage requires removal from service.
Testing Frequency
How often should you test?
Inspection & Testing Intervals
Recommended inspection and testing frequencies based on AS/NZS 3760 for different workplace environments and equipment types.
Caution
This information should be read together with the AS/NZS 3760 standard as a whole, particularly Clause 2.1. Inspection intervals vary depending on equipment type and operating environment.
| Type of environment and/or equipment (a) | Equipment including Class I equipment, Class II equipment, cord sets, cord extension sets and EPOD’s (b) | Interval between inspection and tests | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residual Current Devices (RCD’s) | |||||
| Push Button test by user | Operating time and push-button test | ||||
| Portable (c) | Fixed (d) | Portable (e) | Fixed (f) | ||
1. Factories, workshops, places of work or repair manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or fabrication | 6 months | Daily, or before every use, whichever is the longer | 6 months | 12 months | 12 months |
2. Environment where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment | 12 months | 3 months | 6 months | 12 months | 12 months |
3. Environment where the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment | 5 years | 3 months | 6 months | 2 years | 2 years |
4. Residential type areas of hotels, residential institutions, motels, boarding houses, halls, hostels, accommodation houses, and the like | 2 years | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years | 2 years |
5. Equipment used for commercial cleaning | 6 months | Daily, or before every use, whichever is the longer | NA | 6 months | NA |
6. Hire Equipment Inspection | Prior to hire | Including push-button test by hirer prior to hire | NA | NA | NA |
Test and Tag | 3 months | NA | NA | 3 months | 12 months |
7. Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment | After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on reintroduction to service, refer to AS/NZS 5762 | ||||
1Factories, workshops, places of work or repair manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or fabrication
2Environment where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment
3Environment where the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment
4Residential type areas of hotels, residential institutions, motels, boarding houses, halls, hostels, accommodation houses, and the like
5Equipment used for commercial cleaning
6Hire Equipment
Inspection
Test and Tag
7Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment
After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on reintroduction to service, refer to AS/NZS 5762
Important Note
Inspection frequencies depend on equipment type, condition, and working environment. Hostile environments require more frequent inspection and testing. Always refer to AS/NZS 3760 or contact our team if you are unsure which interval applies to your workplace.
Our Process
How Microwave Testing works
Our streamlined process ensures every microwave testing engagement is efficient, thorough, and fully documented.
Visual Inspection
The microwave is visually inspected for damage to the door, seals, hinges, latches, cavity interior, and external casing. Any damage that could affect containment is noted.
Leakage Survey
A calibrated microwave survey meter is used to measure radiation leakage at multiple points — around the door edges, at the hinges, along the seals, and at any vents or openings.
Power Output Check
The microwave's actual power output is measured and compared against its rated specification to confirm the magnetron is operating correctly.
Results & Labelling
Pass or fail result determined based on leakage levels. A durable test label is applied showing the result, test date, and next due date.
Digital Reporting
Leakage measurements at each test point, power output data, and pass/fail status documented in your compliance report within 24 hours.
What's Tested
Microwave Testing checklist
Door Seal Inspection
Visual inspection of door seals, latches, hinges, and interlock mechanisms for damage, wear, or deterioration.
Leakage Measurement
Radiation measured at multiple points around all door seams, hinges, and vents using a calibrated microwave survey meter.
Power Output Test
Verifies the microwave operates at its rated power output, confirming the magnetron is functioning correctly.
Labelling
Durable test result label applied showing pass/fail status, leakage measurements, test date, and next due date.
What You Receive
What you receive
Leakage Test Report
Detailed report with exact leakage measurements at each test point, power output data, and pass/fail status for every microwave tested.
Test Label
Durable label applied to each microwave showing test date, result, leakage measurements, and next due date.
Compliance Record
Test results recorded in your digital compliance system with full audit trail for regulatory and insurance purposes.
Benefits
Why choose our microwave testing service
Radiation Safety
Protect staff from harmful microwave radiation exposure with professional leakage testing.
Calibrated Equipment
All testing performed with calibrated microwave survey meters for accurate measurements.
Quick Turnaround
Each microwave takes approximately 10 minutes to test. Minimal disruption to kitchen operations.
Compliance Documentation
Detailed leakage measurements and pass/fail results recorded in your compliance report.
Industries We Serve
Trusted across New Zealand's key industries
FAQ
Microwave Testing FAQ
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